Klarinet Archive - Posting 001455.txt from 2004/03

From: CBA <clarinet10001@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Orsi Clarinets
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 02:31:39 -0500

Just curious about the descriptions of the Orsi clarinets in
this link and on the pages of their main site...

They keep saying the clarinets are "seasoned ebony," which I
think is either a translation problem, or maybe just a pile of
*you know what* - not sure which. Can anyone verify they use
*real* ebony (Diospyros Macassar or Macassar ebony)?

Most instrument makers use rosewood derivatives including
Honduran rosewood (Dalbergia Stevensonii,) Grenadilla (Dalbergia
Melanoxylon - sometimes known as Mpingo wood,) Kingwood
(Dalbergia ceaserensis - also known as Violetwood,) and Cocobola
(Dalbergia Retusa.) I would assume that Ebony would make a VERY
heavy and VERY expensive instrument. Even Steinway pianos use
other woods for the "sharp" keys...here is a description of the
materials on the Steinway website...

***
Keys
Bavarian spruce, individually weighed-off. Chip-proof,
stain-resistant coverings for naturals; slip-proof, delicately
abraded ebonized sharps. Tough, durable Linden wood buttons
reinforce keys over balance rail permitting maximum tonal power
with every strike. Longest: 24 1/2" (62.2 cm)
***

Anyone actually *have* or have seen an Orsi clarinet? Will they
be at ClarinetFest this year?

Kelly Abraham
Woodwinds - Computer Geek
New York City
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--- Nancy Buckman <eefer@-----.net> wrote:
> To whomever wanted to know what the name of the company was
> that still made
> a good quality metal clarinet, it is Orsi. Go to this site -
> http://www.orsi-wind-instruments.it/cl_professionali.htm to
> view the
> instrument.
>
> Nancy
>
> Nancy Buckman
> Principal Clarinet / Orchestra AACC
> eefer@-----.net

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